Mayors Expect Residents Will Spend More Time in Outdoor Public Spaces, But Few Using Pandemic as Opportunity to Reimagine These Areas, According to New Survey - Seite 2

Mayors were also asked what citywide change, if any, they would most like to see in their city’s parks and public spaces after this unprecedented year. Of those mayors seeking change (57%), half want improvements to their parks specifically, with desired changes ranging from capital improvements, the construction of new parks or parklets, or improved programming to existing spaces. Almost 20% would like to make equity-oriented investments in their parks and public spaces. Yet, over a third of mayors anticipate “dramatic” financial cuts to parks and recreation in their communities.

“Parks and greenspace support public health and well-being—and the pandemic has only heightened this,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Our city is home to hundreds of parks, and they are key to creating complete communities and protecting residents during our extreme floods. We continue to make equitable investments in our neighborhood parks to ensure these spaces are welcoming, safe, and uplift the quality of life for our residents across the city.”

“Parks are an essential part of improving public health, protecting vulnerable communities from the impacts of the climate crisis, and building strong community cohesion,” said Diane Regas, President and CEO of The Trust for Public Land. “Cities with active engagement from residents and their Mayors are making real progress on access to and equity in the outdoors, and we are excited to be working with over 200 mayors in cities and towns throughout the country, as part of our 10-Minute Walk campaign, to create more equitable access.”

2020 also saw wide-ranging public protests in response to police violence as well as high-profile incidents of discrimination against Black park-goers. In this context, mayors were asked to discuss park equity—in terms of access, quality, and safety—in their communities. Seven in 10 mayors agreed that all their residents, regardless of race, ethnicity or income, live within easy walking distance of a park. Even more (77%) believe that parks are safe for all users, with a similar percentage believing Black residents, specifically, are able to safely use parks without fear of police. However, slightly more than half (52%) of mayors believe the quality of greenspace differs across neighborhoods, suggesting a recognition of inequitable quality by many. Relatedly, mayors were also asked whether park investment decisions are responsive to all residents. The overwhelming majority (84%) responded in the affirmative, while a few mayors noted that investment decisions intentionally prioritized under-invested areas or marginalized communities.